itsy bitsy wishes everyone a happy, safe and joyous holiday season!
we'll be back in the new year!
about itsy bitsy
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
most popular baby names 2007
With the year coming to an end I thought it would be interesting to look at the top 10 baby names from 2007!
MALE
1 AIDAN
2 BRADEN
3 KADEN
4 ETHAN
5 CALEB
6 NOAH
7 JADEN
8 CONNOR
9 LANDON
10 JACOB
FEMALE
1 AVA
2 ABIGAIL
3 CAILYN
4 MADELINE
5 ISABELLA
6 EMMA
7 CAITLYN
8 OLIVIA
9 CHLOE
10 BRIANNA
My family attributed to these for sure -- we have both an Ethan and a Chloe!
MALE
1 AIDAN
2 BRADEN
3 KADEN
4 ETHAN
5 CALEB
6 NOAH
7 JADEN
8 CONNOR
9 LANDON
10 JACOB
FEMALE
1 AVA
2 ABIGAIL
3 CAILYN
4 MADELINE
5 ISABELLA
6 EMMA
7 CAITLYN
8 OLIVIA
9 CHLOE
10 BRIANNA
My family attributed to these for sure -- we have both an Ethan and a Chloe!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Activities for Toodlers
I came across the below article and thought it was a great one with some good ideas for activities you can do with your children! This one is geared toward the toodler ages. Enjoy!
Fun Activities for Toddlers
from ChildGuide.com
Introduction. The first year of your child's life has gone by so quickly! It seems like she was born just yesterday, but she is already a year old. She is now a toddler and is interacting with the world around her more independently since she has started crawling and walking. During this stage of her life, she will be very active and it will be hard to keep her occupied at home. She has an insatiable curiosity about the world around her and you should do everything in your power to encourage this enthusiasm.
You are more than willing to take your toddler places that will stimulate her desire to learn, but you're not sure where to go. ChildguideSM will provide a list of some recommended activities. These activities will be discussed as they pertain to toddlers. Below you will find a list of recommended activities to do with your toddler. Go ahead and venture out of the house and have fun with your toddler!
Go For a Walk. Once a toddler learns to walk it seems as if they never sit down! So why not take your toddler for a walk. Be sure to bring the stroller along in case she gets tired, so you don't have to carry her home.
If the weather is nice, go for a walk in your neighborhood. Early morning is a good time to see the wildlife, such as birds and squirrels, that live in the area.
For a change of scenery, walk along a forest preserve trail in your city. It doesn't necessarily have to be the one in your area. Now that your child is older, make it more of an adventure by driving to another forest preserve for a new setting.
If the weather is not conducive to walking outside, go for a stroll in the mall. Your toddler will be able to release some of her energy and you'll be able to people watch or shop at the same time!
Go To The Park. Visit the neighborhood park with your child. At this age, she will enjoy testing her newfound mobility on the playground equipment. This will also allow her to interact with other children, improving her social skills. In fact, you may make some new friends with the other parents!
Join A Playgroup. Interaction with other children is an important part of a toddler's development. Social maturation during this stage starts with a parallel play pattern and evolves into physical exploration and then imitation of one another. Providing opportunities for interaction with children her own age will allow your toddler to learn to communicate and cooperate with others. Let ChildguideSM help you find a playgroup in your area. Simply visit our Playgroup Postings section and fill out the form.
Take A Parent/Child Class Together. Many organizations offer classes for toddlers and their parents. For more information, see ChildguideSM Parent/Child Classes article within the member Resource Center.
Participate In Story Time. The best time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are young. Even if you are not much of a reader, your child can learn to love it. Take your toddler to your public library to check out books and participate in the toddler story time and other activities they offer. Many bookstores also have story telling and other activities for children.
Visit A Museum. This is the time to encourage your child's natural love of learning. Museums are great places to learn and explore. Take her to one of the museums in your area. Even if you have been there before, museums constantly change their exhibits and have special events. Many have hands-on exhibits and special events designed especially for children. Call and find out what new things are happening. You may even learn something new!
Visit A Farm, Ranch Or Zoo. Children love animals! Farms and ranches are perfect environments for children to see how animals and humans work together. Zoos allow children to see animals that are not indigenous to the area. Trips to these settings can help cultivate your child's love of and concern for animals. Many farms actually allow you to pick your own crops (fruits and vegetables), another fun activity for toddlers. Many of these locations have special seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy.
Visit A Nature Center Or State Park. It is important to instill a love of nature in children so that as they grow older they will learn to live in conjunction with the environment. Many nature centers have many enjoyable activities designed to promote environmental awareness.
Teach Your Child To Swim. This is a good age for children to learn to swim. Once your child knows how to swim, she will spend many hours of enjoyment splashing in the pool. Call the public pool in your area to find out about swim lessons.
Take Your Toddler To The Beach. What could be more exciting for a toddler than a huge sandbox that stretches out as far as the eye can see! There's nothing better on a hot summer day than visiting the beach. Just don't forget the sunscreen to protect you and your child from the damaging rays of the sun!
Visit A Miniature Golf Course. Miniature golf is a great outdoor activity that allows your toddler to test and improve her motor skills. It also provides an enjoyable occasion to learn how to take turns and follow the rules while at the same time giving her a feeling of accomplishment every time she gets the ball in the hole. And it's FUN too!
Go To A Children's Theatrical Performance. Another good way to spend the morning or afternoon during inclement weather is to take your toddler to a theatrical performance. Many theatres perform classic fairy tales and contemporary stories geared for children. This is a great way to enhance your child's cultural development.
Visit An Amusement Park. For just plain fun, visit an amusement park. Your toddler will enjoy the rides, games, food and the carnival atmosphere. You will too!
Visit An Indoor Playground. As the winter drags on, children who are being cooped up inside are overflowing with unexpended energy. Unfortunately, outdoor winter activities may not be right for your toddler. This is when an indoor playground is ideal. Your toddler can run around, climb over, and crawl through the equipment releasing much of this pent up energy. It is a great way to spend a cold winter's afternoon!
Sign Your Child Up For A Class At Your Local Park District. A great place to find fun activities for your child is at your local park district. They offer classes specifically designed for toddlers (and their parents) including both indoor and outdoor activities. Call your park district today for a brochure.
Go See A Movie. Going to the cinema can be a pleasant family outing in the dead of winter or when it is raining outside. Toddlers are mesmerized as the images flow across the big screen. But keep in mind that toddlers should avoid small, grape-like "choke foods", including popcorn!
SUMMARY. As your child enters the toddler stage, there are so many new things he can do. There are so many places you can take your toddler. Gather up your toddler and go!
Fun Activities for Toddlers
from ChildGuide.com
Introduction. The first year of your child's life has gone by so quickly! It seems like she was born just yesterday, but she is already a year old. She is now a toddler and is interacting with the world around her more independently since she has started crawling and walking. During this stage of her life, she will be very active and it will be hard to keep her occupied at home. She has an insatiable curiosity about the world around her and you should do everything in your power to encourage this enthusiasm.
You are more than willing to take your toddler places that will stimulate her desire to learn, but you're not sure where to go. ChildguideSM will provide a list of some recommended activities. These activities will be discussed as they pertain to toddlers. Below you will find a list of recommended activities to do with your toddler. Go ahead and venture out of the house and have fun with your toddler!
Go For a Walk. Once a toddler learns to walk it seems as if they never sit down! So why not take your toddler for a walk. Be sure to bring the stroller along in case she gets tired, so you don't have to carry her home.
If the weather is nice, go for a walk in your neighborhood. Early morning is a good time to see the wildlife, such as birds and squirrels, that live in the area.
For a change of scenery, walk along a forest preserve trail in your city. It doesn't necessarily have to be the one in your area. Now that your child is older, make it more of an adventure by driving to another forest preserve for a new setting.
If the weather is not conducive to walking outside, go for a stroll in the mall. Your toddler will be able to release some of her energy and you'll be able to people watch or shop at the same time!
Go To The Park. Visit the neighborhood park with your child. At this age, she will enjoy testing her newfound mobility on the playground equipment. This will also allow her to interact with other children, improving her social skills. In fact, you may make some new friends with the other parents!
Join A Playgroup. Interaction with other children is an important part of a toddler's development. Social maturation during this stage starts with a parallel play pattern and evolves into physical exploration and then imitation of one another. Providing opportunities for interaction with children her own age will allow your toddler to learn to communicate and cooperate with others. Let ChildguideSM help you find a playgroup in your area. Simply visit our Playgroup Postings section and fill out the form.
Take A Parent/Child Class Together. Many organizations offer classes for toddlers and their parents. For more information, see ChildguideSM Parent/Child Classes article within the member Resource Center.
Participate In Story Time. The best time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are young. Even if you are not much of a reader, your child can learn to love it. Take your toddler to your public library to check out books and participate in the toddler story time and other activities they offer. Many bookstores also have story telling and other activities for children.
Visit A Museum. This is the time to encourage your child's natural love of learning. Museums are great places to learn and explore. Take her to one of the museums in your area. Even if you have been there before, museums constantly change their exhibits and have special events. Many have hands-on exhibits and special events designed especially for children. Call and find out what new things are happening. You may even learn something new!
Visit A Farm, Ranch Or Zoo. Children love animals! Farms and ranches are perfect environments for children to see how animals and humans work together. Zoos allow children to see animals that are not indigenous to the area. Trips to these settings can help cultivate your child's love of and concern for animals. Many farms actually allow you to pick your own crops (fruits and vegetables), another fun activity for toddlers. Many of these locations have special seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy.
Visit A Nature Center Or State Park. It is important to instill a love of nature in children so that as they grow older they will learn to live in conjunction with the environment. Many nature centers have many enjoyable activities designed to promote environmental awareness.
Teach Your Child To Swim. This is a good age for children to learn to swim. Once your child knows how to swim, she will spend many hours of enjoyment splashing in the pool. Call the public pool in your area to find out about swim lessons.
Take Your Toddler To The Beach. What could be more exciting for a toddler than a huge sandbox that stretches out as far as the eye can see! There's nothing better on a hot summer day than visiting the beach. Just don't forget the sunscreen to protect you and your child from the damaging rays of the sun!
Visit A Miniature Golf Course. Miniature golf is a great outdoor activity that allows your toddler to test and improve her motor skills. It also provides an enjoyable occasion to learn how to take turns and follow the rules while at the same time giving her a feeling of accomplishment every time she gets the ball in the hole. And it's FUN too!
Go To A Children's Theatrical Performance. Another good way to spend the morning or afternoon during inclement weather is to take your toddler to a theatrical performance. Many theatres perform classic fairy tales and contemporary stories geared for children. This is a great way to enhance your child's cultural development.
Visit An Amusement Park. For just plain fun, visit an amusement park. Your toddler will enjoy the rides, games, food and the carnival atmosphere. You will too!
Visit An Indoor Playground. As the winter drags on, children who are being cooped up inside are overflowing with unexpended energy. Unfortunately, outdoor winter activities may not be right for your toddler. This is when an indoor playground is ideal. Your toddler can run around, climb over, and crawl through the equipment releasing much of this pent up energy. It is a great way to spend a cold winter's afternoon!
Sign Your Child Up For A Class At Your Local Park District. A great place to find fun activities for your child is at your local park district. They offer classes specifically designed for toddlers (and their parents) including both indoor and outdoor activities. Call your park district today for a brochure.
Go See A Movie. Going to the cinema can be a pleasant family outing in the dead of winter or when it is raining outside. Toddlers are mesmerized as the images flow across the big screen. But keep in mind that toddlers should avoid small, grape-like "choke foods", including popcorn!
SUMMARY. As your child enters the toddler stage, there are so many new things he can do. There are so many places you can take your toddler. Gather up your toddler and go!
Monday, December 17, 2007
tummy-time
Tummy-time is one of the best ways to support both physical skills and the development of a baby's sense of competence. Babies who spend time on open, clean, safe, flat surfaces, free of infant seats or other restrictive carriers, have the opportunity to learn about their bodies in space. They get to learn what positions they can get themselves into and out of. They develop the muscles they need for their next developmental challenge. Babies who are playing on the floor are strengthening all of the muscles they will later need to roll over, sit up and crawl. Babies who are crawling on their own are exercising the muscles they will later need for walking. Limiting the amount of time babies spend in car seats, infant carriers, swings, chairs and other restrictive containers allows babies to have lots of time to develop their muscles, skills and body awareness. It's amazing to note that babies develop beautifully without ever being in a swing or carrier and that certain carriers, which hold an infant's body in a position it isn't yet ready to be in, may actually impair an infant's physical development.
Just as important as physical development is the development of a baby's sense of competence. Having the opportunity to learn how to make one's body do something new gives an infant the idea, I can do it! and the confidence to keep trying new things.
we at itsy bitsy encourage tummy-time and that you spend time with your baby down on the floor from their perspective and have designed a fun and innovative product that will be available for sale shortly that will make tummy-time even more fun and interactive for you and your baby!
http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bactivities/0,,46rp,00.html
Just as important as physical development is the development of a baby's sense of competence. Having the opportunity to learn how to make one's body do something new gives an infant the idea, I can do it! and the confidence to keep trying new things.
we at itsy bitsy encourage tummy-time and that you spend time with your baby down on the floor from their perspective and have designed a fun and innovative product that will be available for sale shortly that will make tummy-time even more fun and interactive for you and your baby!
http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bactivities/0,,46rp,00.html
Friday, December 14, 2007
more about etsy
Etsy is a website which focuses primarily on providing the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items. Many have compared the site to a wide open craft fair, because it grants sellers their own personal storefronts where they may list items for a small fee and showcase their handcrafted goods.
The site was launched in June of 2005 by iospace, a small company composed of Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik. Later on Jared Tarbell joined the team, followed by Matthew Stinchcomb (formerly of the French Kicks), Jay Nuzzolillo, Simon Forman, and Alex Somma.
Since its launch on June 18, 2005, Etsy has grown significantly to tens of thousands of sellers and five times that in buyer accounts. The engineers frequently add new tools and functionality to the site to help sellers gain exposure and traffic. Etsy passed $1M in sales on June 15th, 2006.
Etsy now has a permanent office called the "Etsy Labs" in Brooklyn, NY. The site's customer support, marketing/PR, business and communications teams run out of this office. Additionally, the Etsy Labs have a community workspace that provides equipment and donated materials where Labs members can gather to make items, take and teach workshops, and attend special events.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etsy
The site was launched in June of 2005 by iospace, a small company composed of Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik. Later on Jared Tarbell joined the team, followed by Matthew Stinchcomb (formerly of the French Kicks), Jay Nuzzolillo, Simon Forman, and Alex Somma.
Since its launch on June 18, 2005, Etsy has grown significantly to tens of thousands of sellers and five times that in buyer accounts. The engineers frequently add new tools and functionality to the site to help sellers gain exposure and traffic. Etsy passed $1M in sales on June 15th, 2006.
Etsy now has a permanent office called the "Etsy Labs" in Brooklyn, NY. The site's customer support, marketing/PR, business and communications teams run out of this office. Additionally, the Etsy Labs have a community workspace that provides equipment and donated materials where Labs members can gather to make items, take and teach workshops, and attend special events.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etsy
Thursday, December 13, 2007
"loop the poop"
a strange title i know... "loop the poop" is a saying that we want you to know. it is our saying. say it out loud and it'll make you laugh. itsy bitsy has designed a product with this saying in mind... can't wait to see it right? check back in january when "loop the poop" products will be for sale!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
getting to know us
itsy bitsy has been the best thing that has happened to my mom (Diane) and I (Katie.) our family consists of 4 kids (well we're all grown up now) and currently 3 grandkids with another on the way due in March. we are a very close-knit family and for the most part a week doesn't go by where we don't see one another. our family was raised in Philadelphia and now we all currently reside in the suburbs of the City all within 20 miles of one another.
itsy bitsy was inspired by the grandkids -- 2 boys (Ethan and Luke) and 1 girl (Chloe)... and they are just the cutest kids (of course i'm a biased aunt!) pictures will be posted soon :) my mom and i really enjoy being around children - their free spirits, imaginations and the uniqueness of every child - these are qualities that we have exhibited in our products.
since itsy bitsy's launch about six months ago it has brought my mom and I much closer and really has given us both a better appreciation for one another. the bond that we now share is even greater than we could ever imagine. when our minds combine we are able to think things we never thought possible and challenge one another in ways that lead us to new ideas... and yes sometimes we do argue, but don't all mothers and daughters?!?!
what it comes down to is that my mom and i are best friends. i couldn't ask for a better mom, friend, supporter and business partner. itsy bitsy is "our baby" and is nurtured and cared for just the way our relationship is.
itsy bitsy was inspired by the grandkids -- 2 boys (Ethan and Luke) and 1 girl (Chloe)... and they are just the cutest kids (of course i'm a biased aunt!) pictures will be posted soon :) my mom and i really enjoy being around children - their free spirits, imaginations and the uniqueness of every child - these are qualities that we have exhibited in our products.
since itsy bitsy's launch about six months ago it has brought my mom and I much closer and really has given us both a better appreciation for one another. the bond that we now share is even greater than we could ever imagine. when our minds combine we are able to think things we never thought possible and challenge one another in ways that lead us to new ideas... and yes sometimes we do argue, but don't all mothers and daughters?!?!
what it comes down to is that my mom and i are best friends. i couldn't ask for a better mom, friend, supporter and business partner. itsy bitsy is "our baby" and is nurtured and cared for just the way our relationship is.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
stay tuned
stay tuned for daily postings on our progress at itsy bitsy. we have been busy designing new products and sewing till the days end. we hope you are as excited about our products as we are!
Monday, December 10, 2007
welcome to itsy bitsy!
we want to welcome you to our itsy bitsy blog!
we will have items for sale starting in January 2008 through www.shopitsybitsy.etsy.com. if you are not familiar with etsy, it functions similiarily to ebay, but is solely an online marketplace to purchase handmade products. etsy is filled with entrepreuners, stay-at-home moms, local artists, etc and is a great place to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items that you can't find in a "cookie cutter" store.
thank you for taking the time to check out our blog, be sure to check out our site on www.shopitsybitsy.etsy.com and our website at: www.shopitsybitsy.com
we will have items for sale starting in January 2008 through www.shopitsybitsy.etsy.com. if you are not familiar with etsy, it functions similiarily to ebay, but is solely an online marketplace to purchase handmade products. etsy is filled with entrepreuners, stay-at-home moms, local artists, etc and is a great place to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items that you can't find in a "cookie cutter" store.
thank you for taking the time to check out our blog, be sure to check out our site on www.shopitsybitsy.etsy.com and our website at: www.shopitsybitsy.com
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